Group Calls for Council to Set Up Outdoor Exercise Playground

New Zealand's first "pensioners' playground" could be on the way for Dannevirke, with the town's baby-boomers pushing to have their own outdoor play area.

The Tararua Positive Ageing Forum has been driving for an exercise playground to be built in the town, with specially-designed fitness equipment to help older people stay fit.

The campaign comes as the playgrounds grow in popularity across the world, with London's first $106,000 elderly play area opening in Hyde Park in May.

Tararua forum member Barbi Ormandy, who presented the idea to the Tararua District Council at an annual plan hearing, said there was no reason why adults shouldn't have their own playgrounds.

"I just think it's an absolutely brilliant idea.

"The kids' playgrounds are there but we're not allowed to go on [them], we can't go on the swings, we can't go on the slide and the monkey bars, and a lot of older citizens like me would love it."

Many older people could not afford pricey gym memberships, or felt embarrassed going to a gym where "younger, fit-type" people were bouncing around, she said.

The outdoor area would give them a chance to stay active and healthy, and also offer the opportunity for social meetings.

"In England, it's not unusual for a whole group of people to go together, have a workout, and then they're off to do the shopping or have a coffee."

The council has asked the forum to come back with detailed cost plans, and funding options for the project.

But mayor Maureen Reynolds said they liked the idea, and would do their own research on how the equipment might be incorporated into existing children's playgrounds.

Outdoor gyms for the elderly, nicknamed pensioners' playgrounds, were made popular in China and later in Europe.

London's playground has been fitted with six machines, including a cross-trainer, a sit-up bench, and a stationary bicycle.

Though the project was funded by the local council to provide gentle exercise for the over-60s, those under 60 would not be turned away, the BBC reported.

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